Choosing the Perfect Mattress

Choosing the right mattress is no easy task. First, you’ll start sleeping poorly then you must go through the daunting process of selecting a new mattress that will serve you well for years to come. With all the manufacturer, material, and firmness options, it's enough to keep you awake at night!

Fortunately, we've created a guideline on picking a new mattress so you can get a good night's sleep!

Things to Consider in Choosing a Mattress Do You Need A New Mattress?

Have you started sleeping poorly, waking up with aches and pains? Or maybe you can’t stay asleep all night anymore. These are all signs that your mattress is ready to be replaced. Generally, mattresses will last up to 10 years, but some customers may be ready for a replacement as early as 7-8 years after purchase. If your mattress doesn’t help you feel rested and refreshed each day, then it is time for a new one!

Determine your Budget

Not anyone will have the budget to walk into a store and buy something for several thousand dollars. Luckily, these days there are many options you can choose from, ranging from $499 to $1999 and up. There are also holiday deals (i.e., Memorial Day, 4th of July) that can result in additional savings.

However, being more expensive does not always mean better quality. Here are some budgeting tips:

• Don't go with the least expensive option. This is a rule of thumb for shopping for just about any product. For example, if you spend less than $500 for a queen mattress, expect lower durability, a short life expectancy for the bed, more toxins, and lower sleep quality. 
• Plan to budget at least $1000 for a Queen size mattress set. This price range is where you will find the best bang for your buck.
• King / California King is slightly more expensive. Plan to spend about $1500-2500 for a King or California King, as you'll have the most options in that price range.

Choose Your Ideal Type and Material

Innerspring (Coils). Innerspring is the most traditional form of the mattress and one of the most affordable options. This is due to a decrease in demand and other available options that are more
comfortable and better for overall health. However, there are notable benefits of innerspring mattresses. Spring beds are exceedingly durable and can last for up to a decade. Additionally, because of the amount of space between the springs, this option allows for the most air circulation, keeping the temperature down and allowing for a cooler night's sleep. Go with an innerspring if you want strong support, durability, cooling, and great bounce.

Memory Foam. Developed in the 1970s as safety materials for seat cushions to protect passengers and pilots during plane crashes, memory foam has become the most popular mattress type. Memory foam uniquely conforms to every inch of the body pressed into it. When you lift your body from the material, it slowly regains its original form, making it perfect for every body type and sleeper. It's ideal for those who want body shaping, contour, pressure relief, and good support. The one negative of memory foam is that it retains heat, but there are options available today with cooling technology and cooling quilts. If you are someone who requires a cool night's sleep, expect to invest in the highest quality memory foam option featuring cooling technology from brands such as Tempur Pedic and Sealy.

Hybrid. A hybrid mattress is a combination of both traditional spring and memory foam. Providing the best of both worlds, this option offers the contouring and lack of motion transfer of foam coupled with the support of springs. The most optimal version of a hybrid mattress has close to 3 inches of foam. Anything above that, and you might as well forego the springs altogether. Hybrids are good for people who want the best all-around product with good support, bounce, cooling, and pressure relief.

Adjustable. These beds offer a unique ability to change the sleeping position based on your preference. You can elevate the head or feet, giving you more options than traditional products. Adjustable beds provide extra comfort for people suffering from chronic lumbar pain or just want to be slightly elevated to prevent snoring. Adjustable beds also provide the most optimal health environment for sleeping.

Pillow-Top. Pillow-top mattresses are usually coil beds with a layer of soft material sewn into the cover to make it more comfortable. Considered more luxurious than standard options, they usually cost a bit more. It's an excellent choice for those who prefer more padding and a cozy, softer feel when initially getting into bed. Pillow-top styles are available in both plush and firm.

Determine Your Ideal Sleeping Position and Firmness

What's your favorite sleeping position? Whether you sleep on your side, stomach, or back, or even if you switch positions throughout the night, you need to consider this when choosing the ideal firmness of your new firmness.

• Back Sleepers. For back sleepers, the essential factors are firmness and support. If your mattress is too soft, your body will sink and cause back pain. You will need one soft enough to provide pressure relief but still offers enough support. On a 1-10 firmness level, the perfect range would be 5-7. Memory foam mattresses provide the highest comfort level for people who sleep on their backs, as they provide adequate contouring to the spine while maintaining proper support.
• Side Sleepers. Those who often sleep on their sides endure discomfort and pain in their hip joints and shoulders - usually due to unsuitable bedding. You should go with a softer option than a back sleeper, as these provide for an equal distribution of pressure while you're sleeping on your side. Ideally, you'll want a mattress with a firmness level of 3-6 (out of 10) or medium-soft.
• Stomach Sleepers. The most important thing for stomach sleepers is to provide an equal distribution of weight across your entire body. If the mattress is too soft and doesn't provide enough support, your spine will curve, causing back pain. You will want to look for something in the 5-7 firmness range or medium to medium-firm. The good thing is that most options are in this range.

Buy With Confidence

For your home furnishing and decorating needs, look no further than The Gray Mill! Family-owned and -operated since 1952, we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and our ability to offer top-quality American-made furniture at the most affordable prices possible.

Our bedding showroom features the best in American Made Bedding from Sealy, Sealy Posturepedic, Stearns & Foster, and Tempur Pedic.

Stop by our showroom at 500 E. Broadway in Logansport and see how it feels to "buy where you can buy with confidence.!" To learn more about our products and services, visit our website or call us at 574-722-2215 today!

 

 

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Sources

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/a25695/mattress-buying-guide/

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-to-choose-a-mattress

https://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-to-choose-a-mattress/